OnStar FAQ
Today, people are spending more time commuting than ever before. Driving is often a stressful part of your day. At times, it can also be dangerous. OnStar attempts to make drivers feel secure by providing services that make your commute more convenient.
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What is OnStar?
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OnStar is a service that provides peace of mind to drivers. It uses the Global Positioning System (GPS), computers, wireless technology and human operators to provide services that increase convenience and monitor your safety.
Who Created OnStar?
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General Motors created the OnStar service. It was designed to monitor vehicles for accidents, so that the required personnel could respond quickly to save lives.
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What Are the Benefits of OnStar?
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Today, OnStar provides many services that make driving more convenient. If you are in an accident, OnStar alerts an operator to contact authorities---even if you cannot speak. With its GPS navigation, it provides driving directions so you don't get lost on the way to your destination. If your car breaks down on the side of the road, OnStar provides a way to call for help at the push of a button.
Another benefit of OnStar is vehicle diagnostics. According to OnStar's website, many newer General Motors' vehicles come with this feature. Every 30 days, OnStar collects information about your vehicle and sends it to you in a report. This allows you to know about any maintenance that may be required to keep your car running well. When maintenance is required, you receive an email alert. If you are an OnStar subscriber, vehicle diagnostics are provided at no extra charge.
One of OnStar's most popular features is turn-by-turn navigation. When you press the blue OnStar button and tell the representative your destination, the representative sends driving directions to your OnStar unit. Voice prompts guide you through each turn.
What Types of Subscription Plans Are Available for OnStar?
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Two subscription plans are available. The most basic plan---the "Safe and Sound Plan"---provides emergency services, automatic calls for help in the event of an accident and roadside assistance services. It costs $199 per year.
The intermediate plan is called the "Directions and Connections" plan. In addition to the basic emergency features, the Directions and Connections plan also provides driving directions and other services that increase the convenience of drivers. It costs $299 per year.
Hands-free calling is an additional service that allows you to interact with OnStar's tools without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Where Can I Find More Information About OnStar?
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If you are a subscriber to OnStar and you have a question, push the blue OnStar button in your car. If not, call 1 (888) 466-7827. You can also contact OnStar by using the email form on the OnStar website.
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References
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Comments
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drivingsolo
Jul 24, 2010
I have had OnStar in my last 2 cars and I used it for directions, hands free calling and once for assistance with a flat tire. I never really realized how valuable the service was until my Yukon car went missing from a department store valet stand. OnStar was able to locate my car immediately - they stopped the car, (which was on the move) and let the police know where the car was. I had no clue this was possible. After a ton of paperwork I got my car back that evening. OnStar saved the day with their Remote Ignition Block and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown program. This is what OnStar says about this service. Featuring New Remote Ignition Block and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown® Once you report your vehicle stolen, OnStar can use GPS technology to pinpoint its exact location and provide it to authorities to help with its quick and safe recovery. Remote Ignition Block and Stolen Vehicle... -
riverbadboy
Nov 22, 2009
also, READ YOUR AGREEMENT TERMS. I have.onstar does not monitor location. so they dont monitor unless you crash / Stolen OR You can be tracked and stopped,if law enforcement gets a court order (ie. judge to sign piece of paper then faxed to onstar).also in the fine print, your cars speed, your safetybelt info.(whether you had it on or not) and position in a crash can be submitted for review for law enforcement. if you dont mind this then feel free to onstar. like some, i dont feel that its worth it to have the govt control. sorry to seem paranoid but not all of the info is ever revealed in these articles.
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kamshows
Oct 06, 2009
Jesse, Thanks for the post, you did a great job of explaining our services. I wanted to pass along information about one OnStar feature that was not mentioned, Stolen Vehicle Assistance. Using GPS technology OnStar can pinpoint the location of stolen vehicles and then work directly with police to facilitate recovery, using exclusive technologies like Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and Remote Ignition Block. Heres how Remote Ignition Block and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown works: 1. Subscriber reports stolen vehicle to authorities and requests Stolen Vehicle Assistance from OnStar. 2. OnStar uses GPS technology to pinpoint the vehicles location and provide it directly to authorities. 3. OnStar sends a Remote Ignition Block signal, making it impossible to restart the stolen vehicles engine once it has been turned off. 4. If the vehicle is moving and conditions are safe, authorities can reque...
